Hunt for a thief

The San Andreas was currently abuzz. Just about every paper in the city had gotten word from an annoyamous source that the gentleman super thief know as Phantom Ace has come to San Andreas and was planning a heist. He had set his sights on a painting themed after trading cards that was on display at the city art gallery. This was the typical MO of the Phantom Ace as he always gave notice of what he was after as a means to make the heist more challenging. Despite Interpol's best efforts, he always managed to escape. Needless to say, the city was waiting with baited breath to see whether or not the Phantom Ace would finally be captured.

Rebecca Edwards was currently at a press event regarding the Phantom Ace note. The police had set it up to address the city's concerns, mostly due to the influx of calls they suddenly got regarding it. Currently Rebecca was in the crowd, listening to Captain Hobbs field questions. "What plans do you have to catch the Phantom Ace?" A reporter said. "I'm afraid I cannot say. The Phantom Ace sent us notice because he's confident he can commit his crime even if we are prepared for him. As such, we will not be sharing that information at this time."

Hobbs continued to field questions and was clearly getting frustrated. She knew Hobbs as a Defender and knew he hated PR. In truth, Rebecca was bored too. She had only come to the event because her boss had told her too. He expected a story but she intended to go after Phantom Ace as her superhero idenity which would serve as the basis of her story.

Rebecca turned to leave and bumped into someone in the crowd. "Oh, sorry about that." She looked up and found herself blushing for she was leaning against the chest of a rather handsome man. He had regal features, perfect blonde hair and stunning blue eyes. Pressed up against his chest, Rebecca could also feel some solid muscle under his suit. He was staring into Rebecca's eyes and she was so lost in them that she didn't think to back away from him. He then smiled "It's okay. It is a little crowded here isn't it." Rebecca came to her senses and backed up. "SORRY!! Sorry!" She said as she backed up. "Yeah, it is really crowded in here. I was trying to leave. This is a waste of my time." "Isn't that the truth." He then placed his arm around the reporter and started pushing his way through the crowd. "Let me help you out of here."

Rebecca was about to protest but before long they had broken free of the crowd, at which point he let go of her. "Well....thank you Mr.....?" He held out his hand. "Inspector Francis Hardy." Rebecca's eyes shot open. "The famous Interpol detective?" He shook her hand but gave an awkward smile. "I wouldn't say famous. More infamous for being unable to catch the Phantom Ace." "I wouldn't say that. You've brought plenty of crimenals to justice over the years." "That's what I'm told but I still can't stand that that thief has been able to elude me for so long. I do appricate it Mrs....." "Ms. Rebecca Edwards of the Daily Posts." "Ah, Ms. Edwards. I've read you work. You're a very talent reporter." Rebecca blushed. "Thank you Inspector Hardy."

There was a commotion in the crowd that drew the two's attention. Evidently someone had raised a particularly frustrating question for and Hobbs was not a in a good mood. "Is he always like this?" Rebecca laughed. "This is actually him on a good day." "Would you like to join me for some coffee Ms. Edwards." "That sounds great."

A few minutes later, the two where casually chatting at a cafe over coffee. Rebecca was going to pay for her own coffee but Hardy insisted on paying for her. She also found that he was a rather charming man. You'd think that a famous Inspector would be egotistical but he was well mannered and polite. "MMMMMmmmmm, good coffee." "I know right, best in the city according to our food section." "They have pretty good taste." "So I take it you are here in the city to try and catch the Ace right?" "No I am here to catch the Ace." Rebecca nearly spit her coffee out. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that." "It's fine. But yes that is why I am here. As soon as that tip showed up in the papers, I was on the first flight here. I'm gonna get him this time, I know it." "I'd say your chances are good. I don't know if you've heard but the city has a great defender." "Ah yes, Defender. I've read her file at Interpol. She does good work but I don't know how well she'll do against the Ace." Rebecca tilted her head. "You don't seriously think that a thief could beat a superhero do you?" "Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that Defender could defeat Phantom Ace but it's not merely matter of being able to take him in a fight. Phantom Ace is a crafty one. My guess is he's already planned some way to either avoid a direct confrontation with her."

Rebecca was listening intently. Perhaps she could get some intel on the thief from the handsome inspector. "If you don't mind me asking Inspector, do you have any idea what the Ace will do?" Hardy raised an eyebrow. "Off the record." Rebecca raised her hand. "I swear not to publish anything you say until after you've caught the thief." She said with a wink. Hardy smiled. "It's hard to say. It's all a game to the Ace so the trick is trying to figure out what he's thinking. Usually he shows up the night before the hiest to do recon, I usually try to make an assumption on what he's up to based his movements then......" Suddenly, the inspector's phone went off. "Press conference is over, I need to get back to work." Rebecca was honestly disappointed. She was enjoying spending time with him. "What are you doing Thursday night?" Rebecca was surprised by the question. "Uh......nothing.....I suppose." "How'd you like to join me for dinner. To celebrate the cpature of the Phantom Ace." Rebecca smiled "Counting your chickens before they hatch are we?" He smiled. "I need the motivation."